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TCI countdowns to TS force winds by Thursday, everything you need to know

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Turks and Caicos, September 6th, 2017 – Providenciales – It is Wednesday September 6th and by tomorrow, Thursday September 7th all of the islands of the Turks and Caicos will be experiencing super strong Category 5 Hurricane Irma and her 185mph winds.  I have aimed to put together all of the things we all need  to know at this point from government and the private sector and that includes that there is no school today, TCIG wants everyone to be hunkered down by this evening and so that means government offices will not open on Thursday; private sector operations will follow suit.

Two schools in Provo are to be used as shelters, Enid Capron in Five Cays and Oseta Jolly in Blue Hills and the Community Center College in Grand Turk is the storm shelter site.  An evacuation is in effect for both Salt Cay and Middle Caicos. We are told many have left tiny Salt Cay, which was yesterday visited by the Premier, Home Affairs Minister and Health Minister. Today, there is bus and boat transportation provided by Government for Middle Caicos residents who need to leave that island.  All airports will close at 6pm today informed the TCIAA. This means domestic and international flights will cease, including Bahamasair which will run its usual Thursday flight into Nassau today. Please be at the airport early if you are scheduled for the service.

When it comes to airlines flying into the United States, today is also the final day and the US State Department late yesterday issued a notice to all American Citizens to leave the TCI and The Bahamas and if you cannot or do not want to, to find a safe and secure place to ride out the storm.  Americans are advised to inform their family and friends about where they are and cautioned to protect their travel and identification documents.  The Ministry of Tourism and TCI Tourist Board agree that guests should leave today, but if not, to remain indoors during the storm and to follow the advice of officials and their hotel staff.

Cruise ships were in port yesterday in Grand Turk, according to information from Tourism, but stops from today have been redirected.  The North to Middle Caicos ferry also suspends operations today by 5:30pm.  When it comes to banks, they will operate regular hours today as determined by the Bankers Association, but tomorrow and Friday all banks will be closed.  Grocery stores will also function as usual today. Some tell Magnetic Media they will remain open for as long as weather permits on Thursday but Graceway Supermarkets which means IGA, Gourmet and Smart will close at 11am on Thursday to allow its staff to go home and make final preparations or lock in to ride out the hurricane.

The Premier reminded on Monday that RTC is the main voice of Government during the storm, but other stations and media houses intend to continue serving the public throughout the storm with information coming from the National Hurricane Center, the Bahamas Department of Meteorology and the TCIs DDME.  The power company, FortisTCI closed its offices since yesterday and asks the public to stay away from downed power lines and to report problems to 946-4313.  You can also visit FortisTCI Facebook page for updates.

The water company, Provo Water, closes its office in Grace Bay today and also gives an emergency number as 231-0705 if you see any bursts.  The Governor confirmed to Magnetic Media that the RFA Mounts Bay is in the Caribbean.  The Royal Navy vessel which is deployed to support regional countries, including UK Overseas territories in events like hurricanes is said to be “ready to provide practical and humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. The public is advised to ensure you know which hurricane shelter is nearest you. There are nine shelters opened nationwide . You can view them at our site or at DDMEs Facebook page.

You can also find the flood prone areas list if you want to become acquainted.  The advancements in technology have made just about everyone a reporter, but moving about the island is strongly discouraged; and this includes after the storm as well.  Sight-seeing is not wise and very dangerous.  The spread of Fake News or unverified reports is also discouraged by officials, who will today address media in a final debriefing before Hurricane Irma strikes.

By Deandrea Hamilton

Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts Announce Landmark Partnership to Accelerate Their Leading Vacation Experiences

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Royal Caribbean Group Investment to Advance Sandals and Beaches’ Growth and Broaden the Group’s Vacation Portfolio

Montego Bay, Jamaica and Miami, September 24, 2026 – Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) and Sandals Resorts today announced the signing of an agreement to form a partnership in the all-inclusive resort space with a 50% investment from Royal Caribbean Group.  Building on Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ more than four decades of leadership in Caribbean hospitality, the joint venture will create new opportunities for continued resort growth while broadening the experiences across Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform.

The partnership brings together two of the travel industry’s most celebrated vacation companies, pairing Sandals and Beaches’ all-inclusive resort expertise with Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform, including industry-leading brands – Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea – a portfolio of private destinations, new river cruising offering, and an industry-first loyalty program. United in a shared history in the Caribbean and connected by a love for their communities, the companies will offer travelers an unparalleled collection of cruise, private destination and resort experiences, serving guests across more vacation occasions and establishing their undisputed leadership in Caribbean vacations.

The joint venture expands Royal Caribbean Group into an adjacent vacation category, growing its participation in the approximately $2 trillion global vacation market, and meets the growing global demand for Sandals and Beaches Resorts by accelerating their expansion. The partnership will include Sandals and Beaches’ collection of premier all-inclusive properties across the Caribbean, and the companies will explore opportunities to broaden distribution, deepen guest engagement, and make it easier for travelers to discover vacation experiences offered across both portfolios.

“For nearly 60 years, we’ve reimagined what a vacation can be, constantly expanding the ways we inspire our guests to explore, connect and create lifelong memories,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “We have been building a vacation platform that brings joy to millions of people around the world and creates meaningful relationships that last with our guests. Our partnership with Sandals and Beaches Resorts is an important next step on that journey – bringing together two iconic leading vacation companies to further strengthen and grow one of the most admired resort portfolios in the world. The Stewart family has created powerful and beloved brands, and we are honored to build on that legacy. Together, we see tremendous opportunity to expand the reach of Sandals and Beaches Resorts and continue turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.”

“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality. Today is proof of how far that vision can go,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. “This partnership is the natural next step in building on that conviction. It gives us the ability to grow faster with a partner that shares our values of exceptional hospitality, long-term investment, and the power of enduring brands. Together, we will introduce more guests to Sandals and Beaches Resorts while creating even more extraordinary experiences for those who have made our resorts part of their lives for decades.” Stewart added, “As we continue to grow, we will remain true to what has always defined us: delivering authentic vacations that exceed expectations while creating opportunities for our team members, travel advisor partners and the communities we call home. The future has never been brighter, and I know this moment would make my father incredibly proud.”

The joint venture will be governed by a board under the shared leadership of Stewart and Liberty. Stewart will maintain a leadership role in guiding the company’s long-term strategic growth as Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Existing reservations, loyalty programs, resort operations and cruise operations will continue as usual, with the partnership bringing additional resources to support future opportunities.

Under the terms of the agreement, Royal Caribbean Group will acquire a 50% equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion, representing a forward EBITDA multiple of approximately 10x.  Royal Caribbean Group has secured committed debt financing from Morgan Stanley to fund the investment.  The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions, and is expected to be accretive to earnings next year.

BofA Securities and PJT Partners acted as financial advisors, and Latham & Watkins and Jones Day acted as legal advisors to the Sandals Group. Perella Weinberg Partners and Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisors and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to Royal Caribbean Group.

PHOTO CAPTION: Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, mark the signing of an agreement to form a landmark partnership that expands Royal Caribbean Group into the all-inclusive resort space and supports the future growth of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. The signing took place at Royal Caribbean Group’s new headquarters in Miami, with the city’s skyline in the background.

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Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Signs US$3-Billion Deal for Half of Sandals and Beaches

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The Caribbean tourism deal first reported as a possibility on Tuesday is now a signed agreement. Royal Caribbean Group plans to pay approximately US$3 billion for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, putting the value of the business at about US$6 billion. The purchase is expected to close in early 2027, subject to approvals.

Founded in Jamaica by the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart in 1981, the resort business has a presence across nine Caribbean destinations, including Jamaica, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Sandals has described its workforce as nearly 20,000 people, most of them Caribbean nationals.

“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality,” said Adam Stewart in the announcement carried by PR Newswire. He will remain executive chairman, while the Stewart family retains a stake. The companies say existing reservations and resort operations will continue as usual.

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Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands Empowers Local Students Through Back-to-School Backpack & Supplies Drive

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PROVIDENCIALE, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS — The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI) is proud to announce the successful completion of its 2026 Back-to-School Supplies Initiative, distributing essential backpacks and educational materials to local students and families across the community.

With the new academic year underway, this annual drive was designed to alleviate the financial burden on families while equipping local youth with the necessary tools for academic success.

Education is an investment in a better generation and a brighter future. We are grateful to all our generous donors and supporters whose contributions helped make this initiative possible.

The initiative’s success was made possible through the collaboration and contributions of local corporate partners and community members. IATCI extends its sincere appreciation to the following sponsors for their support and commitment:

• Mayaa Ltd, Ayavue Enterprises, Provo Café, Sunny Foods, Gold Smith, Charlie’s, Kishco / Kostco, Citrusbuy Ltd.

Through partnerships like these, IATCI continues its commitment to fostering community growth, supporting educational development, and making a lasting positive impact across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

About the Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)

The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands is a non-profit community organization dedicated to cultural enrichment, community service, and supporting educational and social initiatives throughout the islands.

Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)

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